Take only photographs, leave only footprints. If all photographers (hikers, fishermen, tourist etc) would only think of those who come after them, the world would be less hostile to visitors from away.
I recently spent $10 an hour photographing an old mining town in the Nevada desert and I was happy to pay for the privilege to photograph this well maintained private collection of cool old stuff.
Not only did the fee help keep this great place running for future photographers to visit but it gave the owners a chance to explain the rules as well as the dangers such as rattlesnakes and cactus. It also keep the crowds away for a pleasant time on the property.
Unfortunately a few jerks can ruin it for the rest of us who treat locations, public or private with respect. YouTube is full of “urban explorers” who break into private property. I often find litter in otherwise pristine locations.
Visiting a remote location on Iceland where a plane crashed 40 years ago, I witnessed a ATV tour climb all over the wreckage. A few even stomped on the roof I guess to see if it would cave in. How long can this iconic photo subject last with such uncouth visitors?
Photographers need to understand that the old barns, farms, fields and houses in the country belong to someone. Don’t step on a farmers crop, don’t go into houses just because you think they are abandoned, don’t touch old vintage cars displayed in front of people’s houses for all to enjoy.
Ask permission or stay on the road and use a zoom lens. Pick up your trash. Buy some maple syrup or food from the farm stand. Don’t wreck things for the next photographer who comes along.
Here is one story about photographer’s whose bad behavior nearly ruined a great iconic photo location in Palouse county in Washington state.
…such a picturesque old house that people have stolen a post that supports the overhang on the front porch. People have been known to enter the house to take things. A well known photo tour leader once published a picture taken from inside of the house. The owners had a talk with him about that the next time he was out there with a group.
http://www.barbeephoto.com/blog/quick-photo-guide-to-the-palouse/
The owners of the house got so fed up with disrespectful photographers that at one point the owner was about to have it bulldozed but his daughter talked him out of it.
Another story from the area involves a collection of old cars proudly displayed in front of a man’s house. He enjoyed showing them off until a bunch of jack asses in a photography tour showed up at 6 AM and started crawling all over the cars. Next thing you know, there is a NO TRESPASSING NO PHOTOS sign.
Locally we have a famous farm scene in Vermont. Hundreds of photographers visit this farm every year. They even put out a donation box. Put in $5-$10 in the box if you see one or buy some maple syrup from the farm – don’t just be a taker.
